Press Releases

November21,2012

"Today's ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is a positive step in the right direction toward ending the rocket fire into Israel, which has gone on far too long. I applaud Hillary Clinton, the Obama Administration, and the Egyptian Government for brokering this agreement.

"It is a fragile agreement, however, and continued US involvement is critical to achieve lasting long-term stability in the region. In order for the ceasefire to hold, Hamas must stop firing rockets into Israel and the U.S. must continue to ensure Israel's right to self-defense, particularly through Iron Dome. This agreement and additional assistance to support joint U.S.-Israeli missile defense efforts are absolutely critical to regional stability.

"Both the Israelis and the Palestinians have suffered far too long in this conflict. We must use this ceasefire as an opportunity to work together to find lasting peace in the region."

November19,2012

Recently, Congressman George Miller introduced H.R. 6591, the Streamlining and Improving Methods at Polling Locations and Early (SIMPLE) Voting Act, which requires early voting in all states for a minimum of 15 days prior to federal election days. 15 states currently have no forms of early voting.

This legislation would also require that states have the necessary resources to ensure that all precincts are prepared to accommodate anticipated voter turnout and that no one has to wait for more than one hour to vote.

“I thank Representative George Miller for introducing this important legislation that reduces wait time at the polls, requires states to hold early voting, and ensures that all voters have easier opportunities to vote,” said Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09). “The long lines and hours of waiting to vote in the 2012 election were unacceptable. Although this bill does not fix all of the problems with our voting system, it goes a long way to ensure that Americans with unexpected emergencies, illnesses, and demanding work schedules have ample opportunities to exercise their right to vote.”

Along with requiring each state to provide a minimum of 15 days of early voting and requiring each voting precinct to have the necessary amount of voting machines, poll workers, and other resources, the proposed SIMPLE Voting Act would also require states to have a contingency plan in the case of long lines forming.

November17,2012

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement in response to the conflict between Israel and Palestinian Militants in Gaza:

"I strongly condemn the relentless rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel. The random targeting of civilian populations is something that should never be tolerated and Israel has the absolute right to defend itself.

"The Israeli people have never known peace and stability and generations have grown up in a culture of warfare, fear, and terror. For these reasons it is critical that we support Israel and do everything we can to ensure Israel can defend itself.

"I am also sympathetic to the plight of Palestinians - the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is extremely troubling, but it cannot be resolved as long as Hamas and others in Gaza continue to attack Israel."

November16,2012

Yesterday, the Department of Transportation announced preliminary approval for Delta Airlines, in partnership with Alaska Airlines, to provide service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) to Tokyo’s downtown Haneda Airport. This new flight will greatly benefit Seattle and the Pacific Northwest region by linking it with key markets in Japan and Asia

“I am thrilled that the Department of Transportation chose Delta Airlines, in partnership with Alaska Airlines, to operate a daily flight from Sea-Tac Airport to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport,” Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) said. “Home to many international businesses with a growing presence in Japan, this decision will bring the Pacific Northwest its first direct access to Tokyo’s Haneda airport. Expanding service to Haneda promotes economic growth and job creation among Washington state businesses, and also eases travel for Washingtonians by providing direct flights.”

With an estimated 114,000 annual Seattle-Tokyo passengers that will benefit from this flight, as well as 40 cities that will now receive connecting service to Haneda through Delta and Alaska Airlines in Sea-Tac, this service will likely add to the $24 billion worth of trade between Japan and Seattle in 2011.

The Haneda flight will operate using a Boeing 767-300ER and is scheduled to begin service in March 2013.

November10,2012

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement in commemoration of Veterans Day:

"In observance of Veterans Day, it is important to remember the sacrifice so many brave men and women have made to protect our country and ensure our freedom.

"As Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee and Congressman from Washington State's 9th District, it is my privilege to represent our service members in Congress. We owe the men and women who have served our country an enormous amount of gratitude and respect. As a Member of Congress who represents thousands of active and retired service members, I will continue working to address the needs of our veterans, and for those newly leaving active duty, to ensure they have the support necessary for their transition back to civilian life.

"As a fierce advocate for veterans, I will continue to push for the expansion of job and educational opportunities. Moving forward, I will also continue to work with the President and all Members of Congress to provide all our men and women in uniform, our veterans, and their families with all the benefits they deserve for their years of faithful service."